Garden full of gift bounty

My grandmother canned and filled two freezers with produce from her huge backyard garden. I grew up with homegrown vegetables and beautiful glass bowls of chow chow and relishes on the table.

With our backyard garden in full swing, I am set to tackle some canning this summer, too. I am not trying to feed my family with the produce, but I would love to have some jewel-like jars for gifting and experiment with modern recipes and old-time favorites.

Even if you don’t have your own garden, hit a local farmers market today and enjoy a day of creating an edible creation.

These jars are the perfect touch to take your creation over-the-top for gifting. Jars, decorated with a vintage-inspired “delicious jam” printed on the side. Set of 4, on sale, $19.96 at Williams Sonoma at Cool Springs Galleria and online at williams-sonoma.com.

More than 130 interesting recipes fill this book that makes preserving artful and easy. “The Art of Preserving” at Barnes & Noble, $19.95.

After a day spent canning, a cocktail may be just the ticket. Mason Jar cocktail shaker, $29.95 at Paper Source at Hill Center in Green Hills.

This bright wrapping paper can be framed for a perfect whimsical art piece for your home. $2.50 per sheet at Paper Source at Hill Center in Green Hills.

Stonewear patchwork celebrity spoons are pretty enough to display, but they help you create tempting dessert, dinners and other goodies, too. Patchwork measuring spoons, $14 at West Elm.

About The Author

Cathi Aycock

Shopping Diva Cathi Aycock knows Nashville shopping, yes. But she is also about finding the perfect pair of jeans, the best place for girlfriends to meet for drinks, the latest retail opening, a fast and easy party plan. Life, style, fashion, everything you crave.